Synthetic Rattan Material
There is a saying in Bahasa Indonesia that says “Tidak ada rotan akarpun jadi, in English means There is no rattan, even the roots are made.” This expression is a description of the quality of rattan as a raw material for furniture. Rattan is a plant that grows vines from the Palmae family, as the need for raw material for rattan plants as raw material for furniture increases, synthetic or artificial rattan is created. It is said to be artificial rattan because the material is made of synthetic material which has a difference between real rattan and synthetic rattan.
Synthetic rattan is a product produced to replace the function of original rattan which is made from plastic raw materials or synthetic materials, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE).
Both of these materials are processed by the manufacturer through a manufacturing process to produce artificial rattan strands.
Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Rattan
Types of natural or synthetic rattan each have advantages and disadvantages. As a commodity that is a solution to the availability of raw materials, of course, synthetic rattan has more durability value than forest rattan which is more popular as a woven material. But what is the difference between synthetic and natural rattan? just see the explanation below!
Because it is made of plastic material, furniture made of synthetic rattan will not be made of termites. In addition, this material is also known to be strong against air and direct sunlight, so you can also place furniture such as sofas, table sets and patio chairs to sofa beds outdoors without fear of damage.
Furniture made of synthetic rattan also generally has a lighter weight or weight than natural rattan. This makes all furniture made of synthetic materials easier to move. So it’s no wonder that various groups from the business world such as hotels, resorts, coffee shops, restaurants, and offices also prefer to use synthetic rattan because of its flexibility.
Furniture made of synthetic rattan is generally considered neater than natural rattan because it is made with a machine that has the right precision and is in accordance with the desired furniture design. Not only that, there is no residual connection between the rattan as is usually the case if the furniture is made of natural rattan. The connection between the rattan is what makes the furniture often look untidy.
The properties of synthetic rattan make it easier to shape than natural rattan. So that the design choices are also more diverse and can be made according to your own taste. The resulting color is also more varied. So you can choose according to your room needs!
Synthetic rattan is more durable
Synthetic rattan is lighter in weight
Weaving on synthetic rattan is neater
The choice of colors and designs of synthetic rattan furniture is more diverse
Advantages of Synthetic Rattan
The following are facts about the advantages of synthetic rattan over natural rattan, including:
Various Colors - Real rattan usually only produces natural or natural colors, in contrast to artificial rattan which provides more color variations. Because it is made of synthetic materials, the coloring is more diverse so that it is more attractive to rattan consumers.
More Flexibility & Light Weight - Flexibility and light weight are the advantages of synthetic rattan that benefit both craftsmen and users. For craftsmen in Bali, Jogja, and Jepara, this type of rattan is easier to weave and shape. Meanwhile, users will benefit because of its light weight and easy to move.
Anti Termite - Termites are the main pests of furniture products, including rattan and wood. The use of artificial rattan provides a longer durability benefit than natural rattan because termites will not attack plastic products.
Resistant to Extreme Weather - Apart from termites, humid conditions are also a factor in destroying natural rattan products. However, with synthetic rattan, our woven products will be more durable and resistant, for example to rain and sun exposure.
Easy Maintenance - In a few years, the color of forest rattan products will generally fade, so to make it look good it must be re-stained. This is different from items made from artificial rattan which are easier to maintain. We simply wipe it with a damp cloth, then the rattan wicker furniture immediately looks clean.
After knowing the various advantages of synthetic rattan, of course you want to know what products can be made from synthetic rattan, synthetic rattan is commonly used to make various furniture that is suitable to be placed outdoors.
In addition to its freer placement, products made from synthetic rattan do not differ much from those made with real rattan. Synthetic rattan types can be used as bags, wallets, baskets, to all kinds of furniture; from chairs, tables to bed frames. Not only that, because it is safe to be placed outdoors, many craftsmen have also started making outdoor daybeds from synthetic rattan.